2005 Queensland State Band Championships

Contest Retrospective

Maryborough, Queensland was the terrific setting for the Queensland State Band Championships over the June long weekend this year. Maryborough is currently celebrating 150 years, and the competition was part of this year-long celebration in which the town

The competition was superbly run with absolute attention to detail. The venues of the Brolga Theatre and Town Hall were fantastic and the organisers are to be congratulated on their efforts over the weekend.

The brass band movement is flourishing in Queensland, and this competition was a fine indication of this. The absolute prevalence of youth was impressive – every band seemed to have at least half of their members under the age of 25.

Of particular mention is Brisbane Brass, who had four bands compete over the weekend. The camaraderie amongst the bands was dynamic and the whole event had a carnival atmosphere – particularly on Sunday morning for the Parade of Bands when the street was lined with thousands of people; it's hard to imagine where they all came from for such a small place!

The adjudicators, Mr Simon Kerwin and Mr Philip Davis, were both pleased with the high standard of bands and soloists.

A Grade
Test – "Connotations" by Edward Gregson

Brisbane Excelsior

Brisbane Excelsior, conducted by Howard Taylor, was the overall winner of A Grade with a total of 423 points. They also won the Stage March with 44 points.

Winning MD Howard Taylor

Their program opened with the hymn, "Deep harmony" (P. Maunder). The sound was immediately impressive; rich and liquid with a deep resonation. The players moved as one in superbly balanced and seamless phrases.

The opening to the Test was dazzling and the strong team-work between players was evident. A rich sound was produced from the middle and lower brass, and cooperation between sections resulted in the seamless passing of the ‘classic' rhythmic figure in "Connotations". The soloists were impressive, and sections worked together tightly. Overall , the performance was tidy and accurate, with brilliant dynamics.

There was a slightly unsettling opening to the Own Choice "Un vie de Matelot" (R Farnon) with some slight intonations problems and note-splitting, but the great rich sound was still evident. Some individual players stood out: the lovely euphonium sound, rich First Baritone tone, well controlled and stylish soprano work, impressive third solo cornet solo, and the big bass trombone sound evident throughout.

"The Waltonian" (J Richards) seemed to really take off, but nonetheless was stunning with brilliant dynamics and a great fun sense of style.

South Brisbane Federal

The ‘Feds', conducted by Edward Kennedy were placed Second in A Grade with a total of 421 points, and Fourth in the Stage March with 38 points.

Their hymn, "Crimond" (G Richards) had a lovely opening from the cornet, horn and euphonium soloists. There was also some sensitive playing from the second and third cornets evident. This hymn had a pleasing musical style and rich sound, with a tasteful use of rubato. Impressive contrast was achieved with the full sound of the fanfare, and the animated conductor was engaging as he drew out the sound.

The opening to the Test was impressive and generally tidy. The cornet section worked well together and the band achieved great balance. Some sensitive and accurate ensemble work was evident and the rhythmic motif was successfully passed between sections.

The trombone section stood out in this piece, as did the beautiful cornet and euphonium soloists (the young euphonium player was observed circular breathing through a solo!) Some sensitive playing was achieved by the soprano also. The cadenzas were well handled, although the euphonium was perhaps a little strident on occasion. The percussion are also to be commended.

Their Own Choice, "St Magnus" (K Downie) opened well, although some little individual slips and general untidiness in faster sections deterred a little from the overall performance. At times the band did not always ‘hang together' which was unsettling as a listener, and perhaps also for the players. The trombone section was again impressive and to be added to their ‘club' is the percussion section; particularly the tuned percussionist.

It was indeed off-putting to have a mobile phone ringing in the middle of the March "Le Tricot Rouge" (W Heaton). Regardless, the band maintained a comfortable tempo, achieved good  dynamic contrast and presented a sound performance of something a little different.

The band achieved a big sound overall, although at times the lower brass could have been stronger to achieve a warmer and more balanced sound.

Brisbane Brass

Brisbane Brass, conducted by Greg Aitken, was placed Third in the Championship with a total of 421 points, and Second in the Stage March with 41 points. They were the winners of the Parade of Bands with 133 points overall. This band is generally made up of quite young players.

Their hymn, "Veni Immanuel" (P Sparke) was impressive and entertaining with a cornet soloist off stage. There was a rich and full band sound and great section work and intonation between the euphonium and trombone sections. The fade-out effect at end was fantastic and extremely well controlled. This was certainly an entertaining hymn for the audience.

Despite some mis-pitches and note-splits in the opening of the Test from the cornet section, the sense of excitement was immediately evident, with good interplay between the sections. The band demonstrated great energy and rhythm. Unfortunately the cornets had some minor intonation lapses and occasional untidiness; not always working well as a section. The percussion was effective throughout.

"Year of the Dragon" (P Sparke) was Brisbane's Own Choice and it was a little disappointing to hear some general untidiness in opening. The band was not quite playing together and there seemed to be some depth of sound missing. The trombone soloist was impressive in the second movement, standing to play his solo by memory.

The lovely warm flugel sound was enjoyable and the band as a whole had great control of the softer sections. The solo horn was also impressive, and the flugel/soprano duet was well controlled with sound intonation. Good technical facility and section work in the faster sections showed off the brilliance of the players and the excitement and build to the end was stirring.

The March "Under the Double Eagle" (G Langford) was played with a rollicking style and great dynamic contrast. It was fun to listen to. The soprano playing was indeed tidy.

Capricornia Silver

Capricornia Silver, conducted by Dennis Ilott, was placed Fourth in the Championship with a total of 413 points, and Third in the Stage March with 40 points.

A lovely lyrical sound and superb intonation was the immediate impression from the hymn, "In Perfect Peace" (K Downie). The tempo was fluid and gave a sense of direction for the piece.  The cornet section was impressive with a mellow sound and some great unison work. The band was generally tight and together.

The Test opened with some untidiness from the cornets and horns, but a great sound was evident in the low brass. Occasionally the euphonium had intonation lapses throughout. The tuba section was impressive, as was the solo cornet work. The passing of the rhythmic figure between sections was not always precise; sometimes there was just the slightest delay, and the tempo was not always picked up again, resulting in some minor unsteadiness.

The percussion was sensitive and some great timpani work observed. Intonation problems tended to sometimes creep in with softer accompanying passages. The cadenzas were well handled by all. The performance was of a very high standard, there was just the occasional general untidiness and minor intonation wavers.

The Own Choice, "Diversions on a Bass Theme" (G Lloyd) had some unclear articulation in the opening, and untidiness at times in faster passages. There was impressive section work from cornets and some fantastic trombone work. Occasionally the band sounded a bit frantic and in a panic. At times the louder volumes produced harsh playing and therefore a harsh sound. The finale to the piece was dazzling and exciting.

Capricornia's March, "Mercury" (J van der Roost) had terrific energy. The soprano struggled at times and there was some ruggedness in general, with an attack that seemed a little too percussive, but the grandioso finish was effective and overall the band produced a great sound.

B Grade
Test - "Images" Stephen Bulla

Toowoomba Municipal

Toowoomba Municipal, conducted by Malcolm Gaydon, was placed First with a total of 423 points and were placed Second in the Stage March with 43 points.

This band was quite big and certainly produced a big sound, although at times was a little top heavy. The presence of two French horns in tenor horn section was certainly noticed in the sound. The aspect of this band's performance that really stood out was their great energy; the players were really involved and enjoying it.

Their Own Choice, "Music for a Festival" (P Sparke) demonstrated lovely lyrical playing with some tasteful percussion playing, in particular a promising young timpani player. It was pleasing to see the cornet solos shared amongst the section. The euphonium did well with solos, with just the occasional intonation glitch.

The cornet section worked quite well together, although sometimes there was some harshness in the louder passages. The Soprano was impressive with lots of energy and propulsion. This band played with enthusiasm and it shone through in the music.

Bundaberg Municipal

Bundaberg Municipal, under the leadership of Robert Rotar, was placed Second in the Championsip with 422 points. They were the winners of the Stage March with 45 points.

The band demonstrated some fine playing in the Test. There were some intonation problems and occasional shaky moments, but impressive tutti cornet work and the great use of dynamics and accents were exciting. Some sensitive and lyrical playing was heard in the slow section. The performance was animated and energetic.

Bundaberg lost some of their previous energy in their Own Choice "Purcell Variations" (K Downie). The performance was neat and tidy with good intonation, but lacked some excitement. Extensive solo work from solo horn was very nicely handled and there was great soprano work too.

The cornet solo was very tasty and the band demonstrated some beautifully controlled soft/slow work. Perhaps a little more sound from the tubas may have helped to balance the sound more.

Sunnybank Brass

Sunnybank Brass, conducted by Warren Berry, was placed Third in the Championship with 413 points. They were placed Fourth in the Stage March and were the winners of the Parade of Bands.

Sunnybank Brass: Winners of Parade of Bands

Their Hymn "St Laurence" (C Millar) didn't get off to a great start, but a sound depth to the band was produced by the lower brass.

The Test was played with great character and interpretation to depict the ‘images', although there were the occasional intonation slips and some ‘forced' cornet sounds. The trombone section was great and so was the percussion.

It was a little off-putting to hear audible foot-tapping in the Own Choice, "A Celtic Suite" (P Sparke). Solos throughout this work were generally well handled, with only minor slips – the solo horn playing was a highlight throughout. The band produced a warm sound and put great effort into dynamic contrast.

Windsor Brass

Windsor Brass was place Fourth in the Championship with a total of 402 points, and Third in the Stage March with 42 points. The band was conducted by Howard Taylor in the Hymn and Test, and by Dale Hosking in the Own Choice and Stage March.

It was quite uncanny when the band played the Hymn "Spirit of the Living God" conducted by Howard Taylor, to hear the same sound and style as Brisbane Excelsior. The sound was sonorous and quite distinctive.

The same occurred in the Test: the conductor was extremely animated and the style achieved was exciting, with awesome dynamics, extreme control, and a liquid sound in slow sections.

Dale Hosking conducted "Music for a Festival" (P Sparke) and produced another sound again from this band – equally as musical and exciting, with great dynamics, and generally a very tidy and tight performance. The last movement seemed a little panicked, and was perhaps a little fast for the players.

The style achieved in the March, "Aces High" (F Bryce) was bouncy and jovial and a treat to listen to.

Brisbane Brass 2

Brisbane Brass 2, conducted by Tim Weal, was placed Fifth in the Championship with 400 points, and Fourth in the Stage March with 41 points.

This very young big band produced a great rich and mature sound for such a young group. At times there was some strident and harsh playing from cornets. The sound from the horn section was lovely – as was the low brass and particularly the trombones. Some terrific dynamic contrast was achieved, assisted by a sensitive percussion section.

The band played with energy and enthusiasm, and portrayed the character of each piece well.

C Grade
Test - "Lydian Pictures" Simon Dobson

Toowoomba Municipal No 2

Toowoomba Municipal No 2, conducted by Graham Anderson, was placed First in the Championship with a total of 407 points, and Fourth in the Stage March with 38 points. They were also the winners of the Parade of Bands.

Toowoomba Municipal No 2: Winners - C Grade

This band was quite young and produced a nice sound indeed, particularly in the middle sections. There were general intonation problems throughout, and perhaps there could have been more dynamic contrast throughout their program to create more energy and excitement.

The percussion section was impressive with great glock and timpani work from a young lad, and good drive during the Own Choice "Music for a Festival" (P Sparke).  The percussionists certainly seemed to enjoy their performances. The cornets shared the solos around and all players did a great job. The French horn sound was certainly evident throughout.

There were some lovely rich and flowing melodic lines to be heard, and generally a good balance. The band really seemed to have fun playing the March, "Aces High" (F Bryce) although the audible foot tapping was a little off-putting!

Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass

Yellow Cabs Bayside Brass, conducted by the young, energetic Corey Clarke, was placed Second with a total of 406 points, and Third in the Stage March with 39 points.

The conductor was very animated throughout all performances, resulting in much musical style, energy and interest.

In the Hymn "The Old 100th" (A Fernie) the band produced some very controlled and tidy playing, but struggled with splits and intonation problems in the softer dynamics. The band produced terrific dynamic contrast, but the areas to let them down the most were intonation and general untidiness of playing – particularly in the faster sections.

The last movement of their Own Choice, "Evocations" (M Ellerby) very exciting with great percussion work and vocal lines for the players – effective and entertaining.

Logan City Brass

Logan City Brass, conducted by Adrian Frost, was placed Third in the Championship with a total of 400 points, and Sixth in the Stage March.

This band produced a lovely sound with some pleasing phrasing, although they were not quite balanced band and really needed more from the middle and lower brass. The intonation was quite good in general.
 
For such a small band, they really achieved a great performance - only six cornets, two tubas, one baritone, and 19 players in all.

There was terrific cornet solo work worthy of mention and a gorgeous sound from the flugel. More dynamic contrast was really needed overall, and the soprano cornet vibrato detracted a little from the overall sound. Generally this band was very musical and to be commended.

Surfers Paradise Brass

Surfer's Paradise Brass, lead by Alan Trueman, was placed Fourth in the Championship with a total of 400 points, and Second in the Stage March.

This was a very big band with huge cornet section, but despite this still produced a warm and well balanced sound. The intonation was generally okay and great dynamic contrast was achieved. There was lovely solo work throughout and a great attempt at capturing style of music.

It was disturbing to hear a mobile phone ring in the Own Choice, "Variations on Laudate Dominum" (E Gregson). The tempo was at times unsteady, and some slips and untidiness detracted a little from this performance. The solo from the cornet and lyrical style from the euphonium were pleasing and overall the band produced a fine effort.

Sunshine Brass

Sunshine Brass, conducted by Adrian Frost (yes – again!), was placed Fifth in the Championship with a total of 393 points, and were the winners of the Stage March.

The band had some general untidiness, but produced a balanced sound overall. Intonation problems and slips were usually exposed in softer sections. Some untidiness from the second and third cornets was evident, and the horn intonation was often insecure.

A lovely euphonium tone was exposed in the March, "Shout the Victory" (T Watson) and the band made a great attempt with dynamics in this piece.

Some untidiness in the cornet section in the Own Choice, "Sunrise" (E Ball) detracted a little from the performance – they were not quite getting their fingers around all the notes. But to impress in this work was the great style and sound from the First Trombone, and lovely intonation and control from the Flugel.

Sunnybank Brass No 2

Sunnybank Brass No 2, conducted by Peter McCabe, was placed Sixth in the Championship with a total of 392 points. They were placed Seventh in the Stage March.

This band was young all round – a young conductor and young players. Despite a lot of intonation problems, they were generally well balanced, made a great attempt at dynamics and played with energy.  Soloists acquitted themselves well and the trombone and tuba sections are certainly worthy of mention for their great work.

Rockhampton City

Rockhampton City, under the baton of Robert McEwan, was placed Seventh in the Championship with 390 points, and Fifth in the Stage March.

This was a big band with a good tuba section for support of the full band sound. Despite intonation problems, the band put effort into dynamics and getting good character out of music. The cornets were not always together, and generally the accompaniment was too loud for the soloists. There was some sensitive playing in the slower sections and generally a good ensemble sound.

Maryborough Brass

Maryborough Brass, conducted by Bryce Whitaker, was placed Eighth in the Championship with a total of 387 points, and also Eighth in the Stage March.

This band produced a big sound, but general intonation problems and untidiness were their downfall. The percussion section was quite amazing – they were extremely young and never took their eyes off the conductor.

The trombone section did some good work, and a nice mellow sound was achieved at times overall, although more observance of dynamics was needed throughout, particularly in the softer sections.

D Grade
Test - "Little Suite for Brass Band" Malcolm Arnold

Brisbane Brass 3

Brisbane Brass 3, conducted by Bill Barker, were placed First in the Championship with 392 points, and Second in the Stage march with 43 points.

Brisbane Brass 3: D Grade Winners

This big, young band (with maybe 4 adults in total) was energetic and the players certainly seemed to enjoy themselves. Some intonation problems and general untidiness was evident, but for a group of developing young players, they gave a grand performance. 

Some lovely melodic sounds were produced in middle movement of their Own Choice "Divertimento for Brass" (D Barry). Of note was the beautiful euphonium/ baritone tone produced, and the impressive flugel sound. It was pleasing to see the players swapped around between pieces to give everyone a go!

Gladstone Municipal

Gladstone Municipal, lead by Chris Allen, was places Second in the Championship with 382 points, and Third in the Stage March with 42 points.

This young and small band produced a very pleasing full ensemble sound and their intonation was generally sound. Some shaky moments, particularly in the softer sections where production seemed to suffer, didn't detract from the overall performance.

A lovely euphonium sound was evident, and there was generally great energy, particularly in the last movement of the Test. Unfortunately the percussion was a little over-bearing at times in the Own Choice, "Divertimento for Brass" (D Barry). The March, "Jubilant" (M Davis) was exciting, but maybe a bit challenging for this group.

Rum City Silver

Rum City Silver, conducted by Fletcher Mitchell, was placed Third in the Championship with 378 points, and Fourth in the Stage March with 40 points.

This band put in a valiant effort, but they had intonation problems and were often untidy. More dynamic contrast would have produced more excitement overall. The cornet section were the real heroes – there were only five of them!

Balance problems were evident, perhaps because of the lack of cornets, although the flugel dominated at times and the horns needed to be more prominent. The percussion put in a great effort. This band had quite a few youngsters.

Maryborough Excelsior City

Maryborough Excelsior City, conducted by Mel Nielson, were place Fourth in the Championship with a total of 373 points. They were the winners of the Stage March with 45 points.

This band was made up of young players – certainly there were more youth than adults. Some intonation problems were evident immediately, although great control and pleasant sounds were produced in the softer, sustained passages.
 
The cornets were tight in the March "National Emblem" (E Siebert) and the dynamic variation was excellent. A young girl had ‘mechanical' problems with her cornet and a Good Samaritan from the audience loaned her his!

Bundaberg Municipal No 2

Bundaberg Municipal No 2, conducted by Tony Brown, was placed Fifth in the Championship with 356 points and Fourth in the Stage March with 40 points.

Once again youth dominated – this was a very young band, with only three adults evident. Despite this, they produced a big sound as a full ensemble. Intonation problems and untidiness were evident throughout, but worthy of mention for great playing and sound is the horns, euphoniums, tubas, and the valiant effort from the tiny soprano cornet player.  The youthful energy was obvious in their program.

Junior Brass

Brisbane Brass Junior

Brisbane Brass Junior was the only entrant in this section and therefore the winners. They presented a hymn and a concert program, conducted by Bill Barker.

The band was big and produced a warm sound. Some of the players were very young indeed. There were general intonation problems and some untidiness in spots. Good balance was achieved throughout. The band presented an entertaining program with great variety. Brisbane Brass is to be congratulated for their contribution to the development of youth in banding.

Solo Events:

Open Champion of Champions: Paula Russell from Brisbane Excelsior

Junior Champion of Champions: Imelda Moore from Brisbane Excelsior

Juvenile Champion of Champions: Kristian McDonald from Surfers Paradise Brass

Other Trophies awarded:

Champion Drum Major - Andre Carpenter (South Brisbane Federal)
Best Percussion Section Own Choice - Brisbane Brass
Best Percussion Section Parade of Bands - Brisbane Excelsior
Best Disciplined Band; Tom Plate Memorial Shield - Rockhampton City

From 4BRDU:

Thanks to all the fantastic people who made me feel welcome and assisted me over the weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Maryborough and you are all to be congratulated for your terrific achievements – whether it be playing, conducting, adjudicating, cooking, supporting, selling raffle tickets, compering…the list goes on! Brass banding is alive and well in Queensland and I am inspired.

Veronica Bowman